The Gallant Guardian (Signet Regency Romance) [Paperback]

Evelyn Richardson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1998

A beautiful orphan girl resents the intrusion of a wealthy lord sent to protect her and her younger brother. After all, they could certainly look after themselves much better than any bachelor nobleman. Her fiercely independent nature is soon tamed by his charm and dashing good looks, wearing her defenses down until the only feeling that remains is her desire for him both in her body and soul. But can their love survive the possible scandal their passion will surely ignite?.

Editorial Reviews

Review

For Lady Charlotte Winterbourne, the death of her father changed only one thing, the identity of her guardian. Her father, the Earl of Harcourt, quit the ancestral estate soon after the birth of an heir cost the life of his wife. The torturous birth left the boy with irreparable brain damage, giving the Earl further reason to stay away. However, the Earl had not completely forgotten them, and appoints a card playing friend as guardian instead of a relative he doesn't trust. Maximilian Stanford, the Marquess of Lydon, never expected his friend to die and he finds the role of guardian distasteful at best. He discharges the whole affair to his solicitors. This is not a satisfactory arrangement to Charlotte, who is struggling to protect her brother and home from the greedy designs of her Cousin Cecil and his equally grasping wife. Charlotte takes the trip to London to make her appeal in person. Max agrees to journey to Harcourt, meet her brother William, and rout the interlopers. William proves to be a fifteen year old with the mind and temperament of a boy of eight. He has an almost magical ability with horses and worships the ground his sister walks on. Max is soon included in William's circle of friends. Not so Cousin Cecil, who ignores the boy while he attempts to have him put out of sight and away from Harcourt. Max puts an end to these schemes and soon has the couple en route to their own estates. Charlotte and Max strike an easy friendship, finding a quiet enjoyment in each other's company. Both had lonely childhoods, and it's part of the understanding they have with each other. Their dependence only on themselves proves a difficult wall to surmount as their feelings deepen. And it soon becomes apparent that someone wants William dead. The Gallant Guardian is a merry and heartwarming tale in the best Regency tradition. Charlotte's quiet independence and masterful handling of the Harcourt estate are balanced by Max's strength and intelligence. William will catch your heart and not let go! I'm looking forward to more from Evelyn Richardson! A treat to be savored! The Gallant Guardian is rich in imagery and humor! Don't miss it! Evelyn Richardson brings her characters vibrantly to life! A triumph for any season! Linda Fitzner -- Copyright © 1999 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Signet (November 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451197151
• ISBN-13: 978-0451197153
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,703,250 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Derivative, perhaps? Doesn't lessen the quality, March 6, 2001

By 

Tanya V. "Bookwyrm" (Pittsburgh, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Gallant Guardian (Signet Regency Romance) (Paperback)

The other reviewer was somewhat scornful of this book as "derivative" of Heyer's "Regency Buck." Perhaps there are plot points similar in both cases (and I note that they are plot points shared by quite a few other Regencies, including other Heyer books). But that shouldn't diminish the depth of characterization that is common in Richardson's books. While there is definitely an interesting plot in "GG," the book concentrates on the development of the relationship between the two characters. The growth of friendship and love in the relationship is well-paced and believable, and the secondary characters are delightful.

C'mon, let's face it -- Heyer is the best of the best. But that doesn't mean that other authors out there aren't contributing lively, interesting stories with well-developed characters. Richardson is definitely one of those authors.

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Derivative, August 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Gallant Guardian (Signet Regency Romance) (Paperback)

The plot is straight out of Georgette Heyer's 'Regency Buck.' And since Heyer is by far the best Regency author of them all, this book is a pale imitation. I'm sure that if she come up with an original plot Richardson could cope, but there is no way I could read this book without remembering how Heyer did it.